New Turkey Guns & Gear for 2024
Welcome to Hook & Barrel's 'Longbeard List'
Ah, spring, when a hunter's fancy turns to thoughts of big toms with lengthy beards. Turkey season has a way of coming up on us fast and then, in an instant, it's gone. If you want to get the most out of turkey season this year, give this list of new turkey guns and gear a look and get ready to fill some tags!
Mossberg’s 18.5-inch 940 Pro Turkey Optic-Ready platform is now available with a factory-mounted Holosun HS407K micro-dot sight. At the core of the 940 Pro is a gas system that may run up to 1,500 rounds before cleaning and will cycle factory-manufactured 2¾- or 3-inch ammo, 1 1/8 ounces or heavier. Internal parts (gas piston, magazine tube, hammer and sear) feature nickel boron coating and extra finishing for corrosion resistance and reliable performance. Features include an oversized, beveled loading port with redesigned elevator and shell catch to allow for efficient loading; barrel-making process to maintain point-of-aim and impact; slim-profile forend and self-draining stock that is user-configurable for length-of-pull (13 to 14.25 inches), drop and cast; and oversized charging handle and paddle-style bolt release for ease of operation. OAL is 39.25 inches, while capacity with 2¾-inch rounds is 4+1. Finish is Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo. MSRP: $1,406 (mossberg.com)
Modern turkey hunters ready to drill down with precision can rely on the pump-action SPX Long Beard’s fiber-optic sights, or, since it’s drilled and tapped, use an optic of their choice. The Long Beard comes with two user-interchangeable combs and height adjust spacers in order to tune-in perfect eye-to-sight alignment. Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo protects and conceals the pistol-gripped beast perfectly. Other features include an Extra-Full Turkey choke tube, 3- or 3½-inch chambering, an Inflex technology recoil pad and more. The 12-gauge SPX Long Beard weighs 7 pounds, sports a 24-inch barrel and has a capacity of four rounds shooting 2¾-inch loads. MSRP: $590 (winchesterguns.com)
On the hunt for a new ’yote or bird buster? For years, waterfowlers have enjoyed the hard-hitting, far-reaching performance of the Stoeger M3500-series semi-auto shotguns. For 2024, Stoeger Industries brings that same performance to the woods and fields with the all-new M3500 Predator/Turkey, which begins with a 24-inch ported barrel chambered for 3.5-inch 12 gauge. Fitted with a stepped, vented rib and high-vis red-bar front sight, the M3500 Predator/Turkey is ready for the hunt right out of the box. The receiver comes drilled and tapped for optic mounting, too. Get locked in with the SteadyGrip stock system with a vertical pistol grip for optimal hand positioning and maximum comfort. A plush recoil pad combines with the ported barrel to mitigate felt recoil. Its inertia-driven system, backed by a four-round tube, ensures reliable cycling and clean operation for even the heaviest turkey and buckshot ammunition. Finish is Mossy Oak Overwatch camo. MSRP: $979 (stoegerindustries.com)
Featuring the classic mechanisms of the industry-respected A300 platform, the new Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey Mossy Oak DNA semi-auto includes enlarged controls, a seven-position Picatinny rail for optics, an enhanced loading port, a 24-inch barrel with a mid-bead and high-visibility front sight, and an Extended Beretta Mobile Choke. Both 12- and 20-gauge models are available. MSRP: $999 (beretta.com)
Few companies compare when it comes to bird-slaying fodder. One of the best-sellers for Federal Premium is their Mike Tyson-esque Heavyweight TSS Turkey. Its deadly reach has been stretched with their newest 2-ounce, 12-gauge load of No. 7 and 9 shot. The tungsten-alloy material’s 18 g/cc density is 22 percent higher than standard tungsten and 56 percent more than lead, which translates to more energy and higher velocities at extreme range. The loads’ rear-braking FLITECONTROL FLEX wad performs flawlessly through ported and standard turkey chokes for the most consistent, deadly patterns possible. The shells are sold in five-count packs. MSRP: $68 (federalpremium.com)
Looking for the Italian stallion of turkey loads to party with this spring? Meet Fiocchi’s Golden Turkey TSS. Dense patterns, deep penetration and long-range performance combine for the ultimate tungsten turkey hunting load. Three-inch offerings in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 410 bore and now 28 gauge deliver hard-hitting knockdown power by using only the finest 18 g/cc tungsten shot. The Fiocchi product development team has developed a true, high-grade load proven effective against the toughest of birds. They’re sold in boxes of five. MSRP: $40 (fiocchiusa.com)
Get Lok’d & Lethal this spring with Winchester’s high-performance gobbler fodder—we’re talking a 60-yard effective range! Long Beard XR features innovative Shot-Lok Technology boasting the tightest patterns and longest shot capability of any traditional turkey load with twice the pellets in a 10-inch circle out to 60 yards. Long Beard XR has the knockdown power of popular heavier-than-lead loads at a fraction of the cost, meaning it's a turkey-slamming game changer for hunters looking to push the limits. Both 3- and 3.5-inch loads (No. 4, 5 and 6) are available in 10-round packs. MSRP: $20-$25 (winchester.com)
Introducing Migra Custom Turkey Ammunition, the ultimate choice for avid turkey hunters. Migra’s 3-inch No. 7/9 Stacked Ammunition combines patented stacked-load technology with powerful Tungsten Super Shot, delivering unparalleled performance and pattern density. Both 12- and 20-gauge offerings are available in boxes of five. Make every shot count with Migra Custom Staked TSS Turkey Ammunition. MSRP: N/A (migraammo.com)
For those who don’t care about cost or choose to shoot 410 bore or 20 gauge, Browning TSS is an incredible turkey load option. The premium tungsten TSS shot has a higher density, allowing the hunter to use a smaller shot size, thereby increasing the number of pellets for a denser pattern and more hits on vitals. MSRP: $30-$35 (browningammo.com)
If ever there was an outdoor pursuit that calls for tools, it’s running and gunning for wild turkeys. Sitka’s new Turkey Tool Belt is like a fanny pack but more durable and specifically designed for turkey hunting. This minimalistic call- and gear-management system merges the simplicity of a hip pack with the specialized storage of a full-featured vest. When you strike a bird, simply drop the removable seat pad and spin the pack to the front of your body to access an array of call pockets. There’s plenty of room for other essentials, plus compression straps for added layers to equip you for unruly spring weather. Features include a front call pocket that stows two pot calls, four strikers and six diaphragm calls, a side-entry box call pocket with magnetic closure and snug fit to minimize noise, shock call pocket that can hold two locators, two hip pockets for accessories and more. Available finishes are Earth, Subalpine and Timber. MSRP: $229 (sitkagear.com)
This is no traditional turkey vest. Sitka took a pack-like approach and developed a comfortable and efficient vest based on the movement and organizational needs of run-and-gun turkey hunting. It has ample yet minimalist storage—including magnetic-closing pockets—to keep box calls, pot calls, strikers and other tools organized and dry. Adjustable straps create a secure fit; a drop-down seat deploys and cinches back up quickly and securely. The comfortable and ergonomically fit vest is made of 75-denier brushed-face polyester woven fabric with a durable water-repellent finish. Sizes range from XS-XXL. MSRP $269 (sitkagear.com)
Prime your hunt for the fakeout. Primos’ Gobbstopper Strutter is expertly detailed, perfectly sized and field proven to grab the attention of hesitant gobblers without intimidating them. That means big reactions and better shots as gobblers get drawn in by the Gobbstopper Strutter’s realistic pose, detailing and coloring. Its lightweight, easy-to-pack construction keeps you running and gunning wherever the action takes you. MSRP: $130 (primos.com)
Most bird-chasers easily fall into the “rare breed, indeed” category. You might as well buy a call to match your identity. Primos’ new Rare Breed call is offered in both slate or glass surfaces, and now as an anodized aluminum surface pot call. Aluminum creates louder and bolder high pitches to help you reach and coax gobbles out of otherwise quiet Toms in your area. Don’t be a crackpot—buy this call! MSRP: $50 (primos.com)